Question
My family dr. has diagnosed me with gouty arthritis, but is sending me to see an orthopedic dr, which i have an appt. with in 2 wks.  My left big toe has been very sore for several months, and about 1 month ago, my left knee became very sore, with limited mobility.  My question is, does arthritis come on suddenly, or is it something that starts lightly & gets worse with time.  My knee hurts so bad sometimes & is so stiff, i can hardly walk.  I am thinking that maybe this isn't gout at all, but just arthritis.Some days it hurts mildly, and other days it hurts very much.  It is also slightly swollen when i compare it to my other knee.  I am a 51 yr old female, with slightly elevated bp and cholesterol for which i am taking medications.  I am also about 10 yrs post menopausal & take hrt.

Answer
Barb,

I am sorry to hear about you diagnosis. I am surprised to here that you are seeing an orthopedist before seeing a rheumatologist. Your doctor must have seen something in the x-ray's that suggested that an orthopedist could correct.

Gout diagnosis is rarely wrong as there are specific pathologies that make the diagnosis. Gout can develop quickly and sometimes the symptoms come on suddenly. Arthritis is the same way.

Gout does not usually involve the knee but can. It you see noticeable swelling then it is a good chance that it is gout in your knee as well. But it could be that by walking incorrectly because of your foot and big toe that you have inflamed the knee causing you great pain and possibly arthritis in the knee.

Once you have gout the symptoms come and go. Flare ups can come sudden. I assume that your doctor has recommended a diet for you. Take that diet seriously.

If your doctor has not put you on Allopurinal ask him about it. Gout is caused because your body does not produce enough of
the enzyme that breaks down purines. Allopurinal almost perfectly
duplicates the enzyme your body should be making anyhow and replacing that enzyme with Allopurinal

You can also consider adding Cherries and celery seeds to your diet. Cherries
are the better of the two. Cherries have enzymes similar to your
bodies enzymes that help break down purines. Adding cherries to you
daily diet may provide you with some relief. A glass of cherry juice
every morning is a good place to start.

I wish you good health,
God bless,

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com